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Astros acquire Minor League pitcher for F. Martinez

Astros acquire Minor League pitcher for F. Martinez

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Martinez's two-run homer 0:53

4/21/13: Fernando Martinez drills an opposite-field, two-run home run to left, giving the Astros a 2-0 lead in the first

By Chris Abshire
/
MLB.com |

HOUSTON -- Outfielder Fernando Martinez, who appeared in 52 games for the Astros over the past two seasons, was sent to the Yankees in a trade on Tuesday. The Astros acquired right-handed pitcher Charles Basford, who will report to rookie-league Tri-City.

Martinez, who was at Triple-A Oklahoma City, hit .182 with one homer and three RBIs in 11 games with the Astros this year before being designated for assignment. He batted .237 with six homers and 14 RBIs last year for Houston, but had trouble staying healthy.

Basford, a 37th-round pick by the Yankees last year, made his first appearance of the season Monday for Staten Island and allowed four hits, including a homer, in two innings. The 22-year-old right-hander was drafted out of Samford University.

A former top prospect of the Mets who was claimed off waivers prior to the 2012 season by Houston, Martinez battled for a spot in the Astros' outfield to start the season, but wound up beginning the season on the disabled list.

Martinez in February was among five baseball players connected to a South Florida clinic that's been linked to performance-enhancing drugs, according to an ESPN "Outside the Lines" report.

Chris Abshire is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.